The lowest median age at first marriage for women aged are in Kuntaur and Basse. Child marriage is driven by gender inequality and the belief that women and girls are somehow inferior to men and boys.
Level of education: Girls without education tend to marry at a younger age than those who have completed primary or secondary school. Prospective husbands often give their parents money or jewellery or make promises, such as sending them to Mecca , in order to secure marriages.
Pre-marital sex: Some parents reportedly marry off their daughters in order to avoid them becoming pregnant before marriage. Child marriage is also commonly perceived to offer some form of child protection in that it prevents girls from being propelled into sex work.
Gender norms: Child marriage is generally considered a positive part of life and tradition in society, which is perceived to prepare girls for life. The Gambia has committed to eliminate child, early and forced marriage by in line with target 5. The government submitted a Voluntary National Review at the High Level Political Forum, but there was no mention of child marriage. The Gambia co-sponsored the Human Rights Council resolution on the consequences of child marriage, and the UN General Assembly resolutions on child, early and forced marriage.
In , The Gambia signed a joint statement at the Human Rights Council calling for a resolution on child marriage. During its Universal Periodic Review , The Gambia agreed to examine recommendations to enact laws prohibiting child marriage and to raise the minimum age of marriage to During its Universal Periodic Review , The Gambia supported recommendations to strengthen efforts to fully implement the existing legislation aimed at preventing child marriages, and undertake awareness-raising campaigns, in particular among traditional and religious leaders.
